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Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of the All People’s Congress (APC) has called on Parliament to approve a provision in the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025 that would permit dual citizens to contest parliamentary elections.
The proposal would remove the existing disqualification that prevents Sierra Leoneans who hold citizenship of another country from standing for Parliament. Several other Members of Parliament have expressed support for the measure, arguing it would promote inclusivity and enable Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to contribute more directly to national governance.
The call comes as Parliament continues its marathon debate on the constitutional amendment bill, with proceedings adjourned until Friday, 31 July 2026.
The push to allow dual citizens in Parliament has been a subject of advocacy for years. Former lawmaker Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella championed the cause after being barred from contesting the 2018 elections due to his alleged dual citizenship.
In 2021, President Julius Maada Bio announced his government’s support for the reform, authorising the Attorney General to lay a proposed amendment before Parliament. The Supreme Court later ruled that dual citizens are permitted to run for Parliament, clarifying the legal ambiguity.
The current constitutional amendment bill builds on these efforts, seeking to remove the disqualification for dual citizens who acquired Sierra Leonean citizenship by birth. However, the proposal does not extend to the presidency, vice presidency, or Speaker, where dual citizens would remain ineligible.
A recent survey by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) found that while 50 per cent of respondents supported dual citizenship for Members of Parliament, citing international expertise and skills, 44 per cent expressed concerns about loyalty and national commitment.
